Persia / Iran: Rustam kills Alkus with a lance, Firdausi, Shahnama, South Asia, c. 1450

Very little Islamic painting has been preserved from the Delhi Sultanate before the establishment of the Mughals in 1526.

This painting comes from a manuscript made by an artist who was clearly influenced by the Jain art of western India. Both the intense colours and the depiction of figures differ from those found in other Islamic painting.

Rustam is portrayed without his customary leopard helmet and tiger kaftan. His opponent, the Turk Alkus, is portrayed with the whites of his eyes showing as he dies.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

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